John Rakolta Jr.: Focusing on racial issues

Opinionated, politically conservative and a take-no-prisoners voice for changing Michigan, John Rakolta Jr. is noted for speaking his mind and seeing the big picture on the region's challenges.

He spent years trying to deal with racial issues as chairman of New Detroit Inc. and is among the local leaders who argue that the region won't move ahead unless it focuses on race. Rakolta toyed with the idea of running for governor but has opted instead to be a voice for change.

Other areas of interest for the chairman and CEO of Detroit-based construction firm Walbridge Aldinger Co. include education, jobs and health care.

He was the national campaign manager for Mitt Romney's 2008 presidential campaign. Rakolta's wife, Terry Rakolta, is the sister of Mitt's former sister-in-law Ronna Romney. Rakolta also is the honorary consul general for Romania in Detroit.

Rakolta worked his way up to CEO from his start as an estimator at the company once helmed by his father, the late John Rakolta Sr.